During my career as a substance abuse specialist, I understood that relapse lurked around every corner for recovering addicts. Much of the same may be said of Albany legislators.

On Monday morning last week, I woke up thinking the budget extender would pass by the usual 32-30 margin, since John Sampson had already he had commitments from the caucus on a yes vote. That was not to be. One of the usual suspects (or amigos), Ruben Diaz Sr. said that would be the last time he will support a budget extender. With his usual sick and unappreciated humor ("I HAVE NO HOSPITAL IN MY DISTRICT. I'M SAFE!") he showed once again that he should have no place in the Democratic caucus.

I'm not a Diaz hater (okay, maybe I am). I supported his decision to vote against the expulsion of Hiram Monserrate, and if he brings home the pork for his district, fine. But his antics are unacceptable and infantile. If he really cared about how the cuts are going to hurt the state, then the s*** should be scared out of him for a state shutdown! The man is a hypocrite, and a damn shame to the institution known as the New York State Legislator, if it could be shamed any further.